Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto quizzed about trade rumors after coming off the DL

J.T. Realmuto's season finally is underway, but the coveted catcher isn't talking about how much longer he plans to be with the Marlins.

Realmuto was activated off the disabled list and was in Miami's lineup for the first time this season on Tuesday night – homering and driving in four runs in a 9-1 win over the Yankees -- after being sidelined since spring training with a back contusion.

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The Mets lost both of their catchers – Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki – to the DL last week. They had expressed interest over the winter in the 27-year-old Realmuto, who demanded a trade during new Marlins owner Derek Jeter's offseason fire sale.

"I haven't paid any attention to that. I'm here to play baseball," Realmuto said when asked Tuesday at the Stadium about potential trade rumors. "Regardless of how the offseason went, I'm extremely ecstatic to get back in any situation. When this happens, you just want to get back on the field and help the guys."

Asked if he's changed his stance about wanting to be traded, Realmuto reiterated: "I'm just here to play baseball."

Realmuto, who slashed .278/.332/.451 with 17 homers in 141 games for Miami in 2017, likely would cost the Mets multiple prospects in a trade. He is earning just $2.9 million this season and won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2020 campaign.

The Mets presently are going with veteran backup Jose Lobaton and rookie Tomas Nido as their catchers, with Plawecki (hand) due back from the disabled list in two-to-three weeks.